USA > Wyoming > History of Wyoming, Volume II > Part 65
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MRS. MARY A. SYDENHAM.
In a history of the growth and development of Laramie mention should be made of the private hospital formerly owned and conducted by Mrs. Mary A. Sydenham, an institution which was the first of its kind in Albany county and which has become of great worth to the city.
Mrs. Sydenham was a native of Pennsylvania, her birth having occurred in Bradford county, May 20, 1856. Her parents were M. N. and Fayette Reeves, both of whom were natives of the state of New York. Leaving the east, they removed to Alma City, Nebraska, where the father, who made farming his life work, passed away. The mother afterward married again and spent her last days in Lawton. Oklahoma. To Mr. and Mrs. Reeves were born eight children. of whom Mrs. Sydenham was the fourth in order of birth.
She attended the country schools of Nebraska, being reared in that state. and in Island county, Nebraska, in the town of Alma, she became the wife of Charles Sydenham, their marriage being celebrated in May, 1872. His parents were of English birth and he became a well known farmer of Nebraska, his death occurring in Kearney, that state, in 1914. To Mr. and Mrs. Sydenham were born five children. Rev. Joseph Sydenham, who was born in Nebraska in 1873 and is now a minister of the United Brethren church, is married and makes his home in Broken Bow, Nebraska. He has become the father of four children, Grace, Carl, Vera and Verne. The second of the family is Mrs. Pit Caithley, who is a resident of Beatrice, Nebraska, and has two children, Alex- ander and Lawrence. The third of the family is Miss Blanche Sydenham, who is a teacher at Elk Mountain. Wyoming. The fourth member, Mrs. Maude Markham, is living in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and has two children. Faith and Noble. Vera, the youngest of the family. was born in Nebraska and is a well known graduate nurse, following her profession in connection with the private hospital founded by her mother at No. 264 North Second street in Laramie, and of which Miss Vera is now superintendent.
For some time after her husband's death Mrs. Sydenham remained in Ne- braska and continued to conduct the home farm, but eventually sold the property there and removed to Laramie, where she took up her abode in 1907. Here she huilt a home which for a time she conducted as a boarding house, but at length transformed it into a private hospital beginning work in that connection in 1912. She afterward carried on this institution as a private hospital and was very successful. The hospital has the endorsement of the leading physicians of the city and is liberally patronized. Everything is conducted along the most
MRS. MARY A. SYDENHAM
Vol. II-33
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sanitary and scientific lines and her labors not only brought to her success but have proven a boon to mankind in this locality, offering an excellent place for medical treatment and care under the supervision of most competent surgeons. Mrs. Sydenham died on December 22, 1917, at Laramie, and the remains were interred at Axtell, Nebraska. With her passed one of the useful personalities in the life of her city, her death causing sincere sorrow to many who benefited by her ministrations and who had become her friends under the touch of her motherly kindness, which was part of her nature.
JOSEPH H. JACOBUCCI.
Joseph H. Jacobucci, actively identified with business interests in Rawlins, is occupying the responsible position of manager of the Rawlins Light & Fuel Company and is also the president of the Auto Goods Company. Throughout his active business career he has made wise use of his time, talents and oppor- tunities and has steadily worked his way upward.
As the name indicates, he is of Italian birth, having been born at Spineta, near the city of Rome, June 4, 1879, his parents being John and Lucia (Cam- panella) Jacobucci. They came to America when their son, Joseph H., was but a little child and settled north of Denver, where the father engaged in farming and still makes his home. His wife, however, passed away in Colo- rado in 1914. In their family were seven children: Frank; Silvy; Marie, living in Brighton, Colorado; Madeline; Rose; and Theresa.
The other member of the family is Joseph Jacobucci of this review, who pursued his education in the public schools of Salt Lake City, Utah, after which he became a resident of Colorado and worked on his father's farm. He was also employed in coal mines in the northern part of the state, being located at different periods in Lewisville and in Marshall. He left the coal mines to at- tend school at Boulder, Colorado, for he had come to a full realization of the value of more advanced education as a preparation for life's practical and re- sponsible duties. In 1902 he entered the State Preparatory School and after- ward became a student in the University of Colorado at Boulder, where he pursued the electrical engineering course, winning his professional degree upon graduation with the class of 1908. Thus splendidly trained for work in that direction, he came to Rawlins in June, 1908, and entered the employ of the Rawlins Electric Light & Fuel Company as a meter man. He continued in that position for three years, during which time his increasing capabilities and power won recognition on the part of the company and he was promoted to the office of manager, which position he has since filled. In addition to his work in connection with the electric light company he is well known in business cir- cles of Rawlins as president of the Auto Goods Company, of which he was one of the organizers in the spring of 1917. This company is operating ex- tensively and now has stores in five different cities between Cheyenne and Evans- ton, Wyoming. Mr. Jacobucci is also president of the Green River Light & Power Company, having purchased a large interest in the business in 1917.
On the 9th of July, 1913, Mr. Jacobucci was united in marriage to Miss Margaret Friend, of Rawlins, Wyoming, and they have become the parents of two children: Joseph Friend, who was born in Rawlins, March 27. 1914; and John Rhea, born in Rawlins, July 5, 1916. Mrs. Jacobucci comes from one of the oldest families in Wyoming, being a daughter of Hon. John C. Friend who is mentioned elsewhere in this work.
Politically Mr. Jacobucci is independent, not caring to ally himself with any party but voting according to the dictates of his judgment principally con- sidering the qualifications of a candidate. Fraternally he is a Mason and is also identified with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows.
He certainly deserves much credit for what he has accomplished. Starting
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out in life at an early age empty-handed. he has steadily progressed, utilizing the opportunities for securing an advanced education and making for himself a most creditable place in the business world. He is far sighted, possesses marked persistency of purpose and since assuming his present duties at Rawlins has developed the electric light and fuel plant into one of the best in the state. He is thoroughly familiar with every phase of the business in principle and detail and his knowledge and experience are such as to enable him to speak with authority upon any phase of the work. His laudable ambition prompted the ex- tension of his efforts into other fields and he is now president of the Auto Goods Company, which is operating extensively in Wyoming and is meeting with sub- stantial success, its patronage increasing rapidly. Mr. Jacobucci has recently erected one of the most attractive homes in Rawlins, at the corner of Eighth and Maple streets, which serves as the family residence.
DAVE HOPKINS.
Dave Hopkins is possessed in substantial measure of that quality which for want of a better term has been called commercial sense. He is a well known jeweler of Green River, where he is building up a business of gratifying and substantial proportions.
He was born in Carbon, Wyoming, December 13, 1887, a son of the late David W. Hopkins, who was a native of Wales and who in young manhood left that little rock-ribbed country to cross the Atlantic to America with his parents, who first located in Illinois. David W. Hopkins, who was at the time thirteen years of age, afterward completed his education in Kingston, Illinois. He then took up coal mining and throughout his entire life was identified with mining interests. For a long period he remained in Illinois but in 1884 removed westward to Wyoming, settling at Carbon. His last days were spent in Rock Springs, where he died at the age of sixty-three years, being called to his final rest in January, 1912. He was quite active in politics as a supporter of the republican party and he stood as a loyal advocate of all civic interests tending to advance the general progress and improvement. He belonged to the Church of the Latter-Day Saints. His wife, who bore the maiden name of Margaret Jones, was born in Illinois, her parents being natives of Wales. Mrs. Hopkins is still living and makes her home in Rock Springs. By her marriage she be- came the mother of five children, four of whom survive.
Dave Hopkins, whose name introduces this review, acquired a public school education in Rock Springs and when a lad of twelve years accepted a position as messenger boy with the Western Union at that place, receiving a wage of fifteen dollars per month. Later he was employed in connection with various mercantile establishments and at length entered upon an apprenticeship to J. W. Crocker, the leading jeweler of Rock Springs, under whose direction he ac- quainted himself with all branches of the jewelry trade. He likewise studied for a time with the firm of Tarhox & Gordon at Omaha, Nebraska, and at the Bradley Institute in Peoria, Illinois, he completed his trade. In 1911 he came to Green River, where he entered the store of Frank R. Crocker and eventually he purchased the business, becoming owner in August, 1916. This he has since successfully conducted. He has a well appointed store, carrying an attractive line of jewelry, and his success is growing month by month.
On the roth of May, 1909, in Green River, Mr. Hopkins was married to Miss Lena Tolton, a daughter of Edward H. and Emma (Robinson) Tolton, who were pioneers of Wyoming, becoming very prominent in Green River. Mr. and Mrs. Hopkins have two daughters: Margaret, who was born May 23, 1910, in Green River; and Grace Elizabeth, born June 21, 1912.
Mr. Hopkins votes with the republican party, which he has supported since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He served as town clerk in
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19II, 1912, 1913 and 1914, making an excellent record by the prompt and faith- ful manner in which he discharged his duties. He has membership with the Elks lodge at Rock Springs. Starting out in life a poor boy, he has advanced steadily, the course of his orderly progression being easily discernible. Lauda- ble ambition has been one of the basic principles of his business career and persistency of purpose has enabled him to overcome difficulties and obstacles. He has earned for himself an enviable reputation as a careful man of business and in his dealings is known for his prompt and honorable methods, which have won him the deserved and unbounded confidence of his fellowmen.
CHARLES W. MESSENGER.
Charles W. Messenger, filling the office of sheriff of Converse county and a well known citizen of Douglas, was born in Essex county, New York, on the 16th of June, 1858, a son of Henry and Louise (Jordan) Messenger. The father came west to Iowa in 1864, but the mother passed away in New York.
Charles W. Messenger was a little lad of but six years at the time of the removal of the family to Iowa and in the rural schools of that state pursued his education. He was reared to the occupation of farming, early becoming familiar with the best methods of tilling the soil and caring for the crops, and after his textbooks were put away he engaged in farming in Iowa for a few years on his own account. In 1884 he removed westward to Wyoming, locating at Bar M cow outfit, Thirty Mile Ranch. He was employed on the ranch for some time, after which he engaged in freighting for several years. He after- ward purchased a transfer business in Douglas and at the present time he is concentrating his efforts and attention upon public office. He was elected sheriff of Converse county and has been five times reelected to that position, while for two years he acted as deputy. No other incumbent in the office has served for so long a period and the record of none has been more faultless in honor, fear- less in conduct or stainless in reputation.
In 1882 Mr. Messenger was united in marriage to Miss May Newell, a native of Iowa, and they have become the parents of a son and three daughters, namely : Lottie, deceased; Sadie, now Mrs. Harry Harvey, of Hollywood, California ; Charles Francis, also of Hollywood, California; and Esther, now Mrs. William Paxton Irvine, of Hollywood, California.
Mr. Messenger is a republican in his political views, having always given stanch support to the party since age conferred upon him the right of franchise. He is a member of the Masonic lodge of Douglas and of the Woodmen of the World. His official record is indeed creditable. He never falters in the per- formance of any duty and neither fear nor favor can swerve him from a course which he believes to be right. As a public official he is well known throughout Converse county and that his fellow townsmen entertain for him the warmest regard and have the most implicit confidence in his ability and trustworthiness is indicated in the fact that he has been five times elected to his present position.
BERTRAM F. EARLY.
Bertram F. Early, a well known merchant of Laramie engaged in the furniture and hardware trade, was born in Wabash, Indiana, December 20, 1871, a son of J. C. and Frances (Glenn) Early, both of whom were natives of Ohio. In early life, however, they removed to Indiana and in 1883 became residents of Kansas, where the father engaged in farming, devoting his remaining days to that pursuit. He passed away in March, 1912, at the age of sixty-seven, while his widow still survives and is a resident of Jackson county. In their family were seven children :
& W Messenger
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Charles Early, now residing in Laramie; Mrs. Belle Karnes, whose home is in Council Grove, Kansas; Mrs. Sadie Spencer, living in Elgin, Oklahoma; Don; Robert; and Ida. The last named occupies the family residence in Kansas.
Bertram F. Early, the eldest of this family, in his boyhood days lived with his grandfather, William Glenn, at Fort Wayne, Indiana, there acquiring an educa- tion. In 1898 he went to Kansas, remaining in that state until 1900, when he re- moved to southwestern Colorado, settling in San Juan county, where he continued for two years. He was there engaged in mining and in the lumber business and in 1903 he removed to Fort Collins, Colorado, where he turned his attention to a livery business, which he conducted for three years. On the expiration of that period he sold out and afterward conducted a livery at Ault, Colorado, which he also later sold. He then turned his attention to farming in the vicinity of Greeley, Colorado, where he remained for two years. In 1910 he arrived in Laramie and entered the employ of the W. H. Holliday Company in the lumber yard. Later he was employed as a clerk in the Albany Mercantile Company. While thus engaged he became well known to the public and on the 20th of October, 1911, he embarked in business on his own account by establishing his present store, in which he carries an extensive line of furniture and stoves. In the intervening period of six years he has built up a business of gratifying proportions. Although he started in a small way, his trade has gradually increased and while his first day's receipts were only six dollars, the volume of his business has so grown that today it is among the leading of its kind in Laramie. He has ever recognized the fact that satisfied patrons are the best advertisement and as the years have gone on he has put forth every effort to please his patrons, while his fair prices and honorable dealing have been salient features in his growing success.
On the 30th of December, 1903, Mr. Early was united in marriage in Denver, Colorado, to Miss Louise Covington, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas E. Covington, of Fort Wayne, Indiana. They have one child, Francis Early, who was born in December, 1904, at Fort Collins, Colorado.
In his political views Mr. Early is a republican and keeps well informed on the questions and issues of the day but does not seek nor desire office as a reward for party fealty. Fraternally he is connected with the Independent Order of Odd Fellows of Laramie and with the Modern Woodmen of America, while his re- ligious faith is that of the Presbyterian church. He is a man of genuine personal worth, held in high regard by all with whom he has come in contact by reason of his many sterling qualities. He stands at all times for progress and improve- ment in public affairs and is ever willing to lend his hearty aid and cooperation to movements for the general good. As a business man, too, he has made an excellent record, wisely using his talents and his opportunities, and step by step he has advanced until he now ranks with the substantial and valued representatives of commerical activity in Laramie.
LEE W. STOREY, M. D.
Dr. Lee W. Storey, who is engaged in the practice of medicine and surgery in Douglas, ranking with the leading and representative physicians of that part of the state, was born in Salix, Iowa, on the 9th of April, 1891, a son of George E. and Emma (Merrill) Storey. While spending his youthful days under the parental roof he became a pupil in the public schools of Salix and ultimately reached the high school, from which in due course of time he was graduated. He continued his education in Creighton University at Omaha, Nebraska, where he prepared for the practice of medicine and surgery and was graduated with the class of 1914. He then put his theoretical training to the practical test by serving for a year in St. Luke's Hospital at Denver, Colorado, while later he spent two years as chief resident physician in the City & County Hospital of Denver. In that way he gained broad and valuable experience and on the Ist of January, 1917, came
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to Douglas, where he opened an office. He is now physician for both the North- western and for the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Companies at Doug- las and while he has resided in this locality for only a brief period he has already gained a good practice which is steadily increasing.
On the 7th of February, 1917, Dr. Storey was united in marriage to Miss Mary J. Hopkins. They have gained a wide acquaintance in Douglas and the hospitality of many of the best homes of the city is freely accorded them. The Doctor votes with the democratic party but has never been an office seeker, pre- ferring to concentrate his time and energies upon his professional interests and duties. He keeps in touch with the trend of modern thought, progress and investi- gation through his membership in the Wyoming State Medical Society and the American Medical Association.
FRANK D. SPAFFORD.
Frank D. Spafford, secretary and treasurer of the Laramie Republican, started out in the business world on his own account when a youth of fourteen years and early entered upon an apprenticeship to the printer's trade, with which he has since been identified, working his way upward step by step through the stages of an orderly progression until he is now prominently connected with newspaper publication.
He was born October 20, 1866, in Fremont, Nebraska, a son of William H. Spaf- ford, a native of New York and a representative of an old New England family of English descent. The founder of the American branch of the family came to the new world about fifty years after the first landing of the Pilgrims. William H. Spafford is a pioneer of Nebraska and of Wyoming and assisted in the building of the first line of the Western Union Telegraph Company from the Missouri river to Denver, Colorado. He was connected with the Western Union for a period of thirty years during the early days in the construction department and after- ward in charge of various offices in Wyoming and Nebraska. At the time of the Civil war he responded to the country's call for troops and served in the First Ohio Artillery until disabled at the battle of Shiloh. He is a member of the Grand Army of the Republic and gives his political allegiance to the repub- lican party. He is now living retired from active business and makes his home in Oregon. He married Phoebe Day, a native of Michigan, who was of Eng- lish descent. She was born in 1846 and died in 1902. In the family were thir- teen children.
Frank D. Spafford, who was the eldest, pursued his education in the public schools of Wyoming and started out to provide for his own support when a youth of fourteen years. He was first employed in a drug store, having deter- mined to follow that occupation as a life work, but he did not find it congenial and a year later he entered the printing business in the office of the Laramie Sentinel and there served an apprenticeship, working also on the Laramie Times. He has continued to follow his trade from 1880 to the present and in 1896 he became part owner of the Laramie Republican, on which paper he had first been employed in 1890. On the 7th of February, 1905, the business was incor- porated and Mr. Spafford hecame secretary and treasurer of the company, which position he still fills. There is no phase of the printing business with which he is not thoroughly familiar and he is well qualified to undertake the executive work which falls upon him in this connection.
In 1891 Mr. Spafford was married in Laramie, Wyoming, to Miss Anna R. Washburn, a native of Nebraska and a daughter of C. D. M. Washburn, a pioneer of Grand Island, and of Mary J. (Martin) Washburn. The father is now deceased but the mother is still living. To Mr. and Mrs. Spafford have been born two children: Frank W., who was born in Laramie April 27, 1892; and Mary O., born in 1894.
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In politics Mr. Spafford has always been a stalwart republican since age con- ferred upon him the right of franchise. He belongs to the Knights of Pythias lodge and to the Benevolent Protective Order of Elks and he has membership with the Commercial Club of Laramie. He stands for progress and improve- ment along all lines which lead to the city's upbuilding and development and in matters of citizenship he is actuated by the same spirit of progressiveness that has characterized him in his business career. What he has purposed and planned he has accomplished, never stopping short of successful fulfillment and ever recognizing the fact that when one avenue of opportunity seems closed he can carve out other paths whereby he can reach the desired goal.
JOHN W. ROBERTSON.
John W. Robertson, well known in Lovell and Bighorn county, is engaged in farming and stock raising, while in the town he devotes his attention to the implement business. He was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, October 6, 1852, and is a son of William and Eliza ( Woodyatt) Robertson, who were natives of Scotland and of England, respectively. Coming to America, the mother in 1842 and the father in 1850, they were afterward married in Iowa and in 1852 removed westward to Utah, where they spent their remaining days. They had a family of eleven children, eight of whom are now living.
John W. Robertson was reared in Utah and pursued his education in its public schools. He resided in his native state until 1900 and after his textbooks were put aside followed the blacksmith's trade, working along that line until he removed to Wyoming. After establishing his home within the borders of this state he turned his attention to the live stock business and to farming and about a year ago established an implement business in Lovell which he has since successfully conducted. His activities have largely been of a character that have contributed to public progress and improvement as well as to individual success. He has been one of the promoters of the canal at Lovell and is now a director in three irrigation companies-important factors in the reclamation of the arid lands of the state.
In 1877 Mr. Robertson was married to Miss Lucy H. Snell, a native of Utah, and to them have been born fifteen children, namely: Ethel; Cyrus; Archibald ; Ralph; Bryant B .; Vera, the wife of Ira Elmer; John W .; Mckenzie; Beck; Preston W .; Lucilla ; and four who died in infancy.
The parents are members of the Mormon church. Politically Mr. Robertson is a democrat and for eight years he filled the office of justice of the peace, in which connection he rendered decisions that were strictly fair and impartial. He has also served on the city board and has made an excellent record by the prompt and able manner in which he has discharged his public duties. In addi- tion to his other business interests he has become the owner of three hundred and sixty acres of improved farm land and he also has a large band of sheep in Bighorn county. Whatever he undertakes he carries forward to successful completion, for in his vocabulary there is no such word as fail. He is diligent and determined and his well defined plans have brought to him notable, gratify -. ing and honorable success.
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